Treehouse to be built at nature center

Model builders Jim Barteo and Leah Bennett place characters in a model treehouse Barteo built and Bennett detailed, which represents the structure which will be built in the Alexandria’s Nature Scape at the Howell Conference and Nature Center.(Photo11: GILLIS BENEDICT/LIVINGSTON DAILY)Buy Photo

An impressive structure is about to be built at the Howell Conference and Nature Center. A large treehouse is coming soon to Alexandria’s Nature Scape, an outdoor play land within the Marion Township facility.

“The entire nature center is built around the idea of combating nature-deficit disorder,” said Dana DeBenham, the nature center’s director.

The future treehouse will be comprised of a large hexagonal gazebo-like building at its center surrounded by several bridges that will lead to satellite platforms. Although not technically up in the trees — it will be held up by wooden poles — the structure will have trees poking through it. It will have the feel of a honest-to-goodness arboreal domicile.

A large ramp to the treehouse will allow it to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Construction is expected to start soon, likely before the end of April. The nature center is planning to do a ribbon-cutting event, possibly by the end of May.

“Hopefully, it will be large enough that we can fit a whole classroom of kids inside,” DeBenham said.

The plan is for the future treehouse to be open to the general public every day, and then the nature center can use it for environmental education, kids’ camps and other programs, according to DeBenham. There are many possibilities for features that could be included inside the treehouse. Perhaps there will be interactive displays that teach kids about nature, animals and the seasons. Many ideas are bouncing around.

“This generation is spending too much time on their screens and not enough time running around in the woods, so it will be a good thing for Livingston County’s kids,” DeBenham said.

Alexandria’s Nature Scape, where the treehouse will be located, was built in memory of Alexandria Bennett, who passed away. The young girl loved visiting the Howell Conference and Nature Center. Her family’s foundation, the Spirit of Alexandria, funds projects that keep her nature-loving spirit alive.

Alexandria’s grandpa, Jim Barteo of Commerce Township, designed a scale model of the treehouse.

“My dad is the person who suggested it be a treehouse,” said Leah Bennett, Alexandria’s mom. “He came up with the initial layout, and then we had someone work on drawings to narrow down the design with measurements and elevation dimensions,” and then “we made a scale model.”

The architect on the project is Dave Richardson of the Brighton-based Lindhout Associates Architects. Working on a massive treehouse has been a new experience for him. Alexandria’s family had “a really nice vision for the treehouse. It’s our job as architects to glean people’s desires. They wanted something rustic, nothing too modern,” Richardson said.

“The reason we have partnered with Howell Conference and Nature Center is because they immediately accepted what we had to offer and, in return, treat us like family by allowing us to have input and direction with each program we offer through them,” Bennett said.

Contact Livingston Daily county and townships reporter Jennifer Eberbach at 517-548-7148 or at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com. Follow her on Twitter @JenTheWriter.